#4 body mount reinforcement
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 396
Likes: 3
From: Buffalo New York
#4 body mount reinforcement
Both #4 body mount reinforcements on my '76 are rotted. The rest seem OK. If I loosen the #3 mounts a little, will I have enough room to remove the #4 cushion and replace the reinforcement? Also, is the reinforcement pop-riveted to the body? Finally, how is the cage and nut attached to the body?
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
From: Whitmore Lake MI
Both #4 body mount reinforcements on my '76 are rotted. The rest seem OK. If I loosen the #3 mounts a little, will I have enough room to remove the #4 cushion and replace the reinforcement? Also, is the reinforcement pop-riveted to the body? Finally, how is the cage and nut attached to the body?
The Cage nut is attached with 2 rivets before you put the new reinforcement on. For the reinforcement some use screws or bolts, some use rivets. I used rivets and everything came out fine. The hard one (Rivet) is the one in the back. You may need to drill a hole in the front of the rear wheel well to get put that rivet in.
Hope this helps.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,689
Likes: 202
From: Loveland, CO
Since the reinforcement is held against thin fiberglass with small rivits or bolts, I used an extra step to strengthen mine. I filled the metal reinforcement with bonding adhesive before slipping it in place to bond everything together. You can then add rivits or bolt to finish things up. If your fiberglass is as chewed up as mine was, you need something to hold things together.
Just my comments. Ralph.
Just my comments. Ralph.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,458
Likes: 1
From: Collinsville MS
St. Jude Donor '08
I used a die grinder with a cutting wheel and cut the old reinforcement off. Used epoxy and screws to put them back on. Had to also cut the head off the body bolt and drove it up through the top, it took the cage nut out with it (2 rivets). I didnt use a new cage nut, just found a 7/16" nut and dropped the bolt thru from the top when I put it back and tightened it up. Put a lock nut on top of the other nut for added security. Mine is much stronger than it was originally.
Also, I would try and loosen all the body mounts some, if the rear is that bad you may want to go ahead and replace them all, it really wasnt that bad once I figured it out. Plenty of threads with pics on it here....
Also, I would try and loosen all the body mounts some, if the rear is that bad you may want to go ahead and replace them all, it really wasnt that bad once I figured it out. Plenty of threads with pics on it here....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 10
From: Austin TX
I think you'll have to lift the body. You'll need at least 2-3 inches of clearance and simply loosening the other mounts won't allow enough clearance. Don't forget, the front end, forward the number ones, is nailed up pretty good.
Other than that, very good advice above,..and be glad it's not a convertible.
Other than that, very good advice above,..and be glad it's not a convertible.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,350
Likes: 423
From: Seattle Area WA
I've got a few pics of this job on my Blog. All great advise above. I didn't bother with a new cage/nut assembly either, just used a large stainless washer and nut with a new grade 8 bolt. All the fiberglass under the reinforcement was broken on mine which I had to rebuild. I used OEM type rivets to secure the reinforcement bracket into place. The best rivets with the correct temper are from either Dr Rebuild or Paragon. The large 1/2" head pop rivets or bolts will work as well. I too applied adhesive to the bracket before installation. This fills in any voids between the bracket and body as well as secures it into place.
Good Luck with the project.
Good Luck with the project.
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Pro
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 688
Likes: 1
From: Stevens Point WI
I think you'll have to lift the body. You'll need at least 2-3 inches of clearance and simply loosening the other mounts won't allow enough clearance. Don't forget, the front end, forward the number ones, is nailed up pretty good.
Other than that, very good advice above,..and be glad it's not a convertible.
Other than that, very good advice above,..and be glad it's not a convertible.
Exaclty my question!
I have a 69 convertible and need to replace those cage nuts as the bolts snapped off when the body was taken off.
How do i get at them?
I am having allot of trouble even trying to get the hinges for the conv. top hatch off, might have to drilla hole in the back wheel well to access the outer upper bolts of the hinge.
Ideas
